Eben Greyling, CEO of the Naspers pay-television operations, has decided to take a break and pursue new interests after more than 18 years with the group.
The announcement was made by Naspers CEO, Koos Bekker, who said in a statement: “Eben has been instrumental in building our successful pay-TV businesses across the continent. Under his leadership over the last five years the subscriber base and turnover of the pay-TV businesses more than doubled. We thank him for his great contribution and sterling service to the group. We wish him all the best as he takes a break to prepare for the next phase of his career.”
Greyling, who joined the group in 1996, addedd: “Working for the Naspers group has been a wonderful journey. I learned a lot, enjoyed great opportunities, we worked hard and had to overcome many challenges, but also had fun in doing so. I am proud to have been part of an amazing team in the Naspers pay-TV business.”
“At the same time we are also pleased to welcome back Jim Volkwyn, who kindly agreed to step back into the business and will take over the reins from April 1,” said Bekker. The handover process will start immediately and Eben also agreed to be available on an ad hoc basis to provide assistance if required.
On April 1, CEO Koos Bekker will step down, ax previously announced, he will be succeeded by Bob van Dijk, currently Naspers’s most senior ecommerce chief.
Koos will stand down from the Naspers board for a year, to allow Bob the space to settle in with both Naspers top management and the board. Koos intends to travel widely and research where the group’s next spurt of growth may come from, once ecommerce has reached maturity. He will also stay on the Tencent board. In April 2015, current Naspers chairman Ton Vosloo intends to step down as chair, when Koos will succeed him.
